U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)

The United States armed service responsible for maritime safety, security and stewardship, with military and law-enforcement functions.

Its missions include search and rescue, aids to navigation, vessel safety, marine environmental protection, port and waterway security, law enforcement, defence readiness and ice operations. It normally operates within the Department of Homeland Security and may serve under the Navy in war or when directed.

Jurisdiction and authority depend on US law, location, vessel status and mission. The organisation is not the equivalent of a single-purpose lifeboat charity or accident-investigation body.